Respiratory

Trouble breathing

CCMS-MED-SOP-001 §5, §7, §15.5

Stridor, asthma, chest trauma, and the quiet child who is working too hard. Position of comfort. Do not make them lie flat to be tidy.

Call 911 if: stridor, severe work of breathing, inability to speak, cyanosis, chest trauma, or anaphylaxis.

1. 1

   Sit them up. Loosen clothing. If they have their own inhaler, they may use it. You assist; you do not invent a dose.

2. 2

   Stridor or sting/food + hives: this may be anaphylaxis. See that branch.

3. 3

   Chest trauma with a sucking wound: chest seal, watch for tension. CLINICIAN ONLY for needle decompression.

4. 4

   If they tire, BVM. 911 already should have been called.

This field guide does not replace 911, a medical director, or licensed clinical judgment. It does not authorize anyone to practice beyond license and current training.